The sixth generation of the

BMW 5 Series The BMW 5 Series is an executive car manufactured and marketed by BMW since 1972, succeeding the New Class Sedans, and currently in its seventh generation. The 5 Series was initially available as a sedan, with a wagon/estate body style (market ...

consists of the BMW F10 (sedan version), BMW F11 (wagon version, marketed as ''Touring'') and BMW F07 (fastback version, marketed as ''Gran Turismo'')

executive car Executive car is a British term for a large car which is equivalent to the European E-segment and American full-size classifications. Executive cars are larger than compact executive cars (and the non-luxury equivalent mid-size cars), and smal ...

s and were produced by BMW from January 2010 (for the 2011 model year) to 2017, with F10 being launched on 20 March 2010 to domestic market and F11 in the summer of 2010. The F07 Gran Turismo was produced from early September 2009 to 2017, being launched in the domestic German market in late October 2009. The ''Gran Turismo'' version is the first and only 5 Series to be produced in a fastback body style. The F10 generation is also the first 5 Series to offer a hybrid drivetrain, a turbocharged V8 engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, a dual-clutch transmission (in the M5), active rear-wheel steering (called "Integral Active Steering"), electric power steering, double-wishbone front suspension, an LCD instrument cluster (called "Black Panel Display") and automatic parking (called "Parking Assistant"). A long-wheelbase sedan version (model code F18) was sold in China, Mexico and the Middle East. The M5 model, introduced in 2011, is powered by the

BMW S63 The BMW N63 is a twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine which has been in production from 2008 to present. The N63 is the world's first production car engine to use a "hot-vee" layout, with the turbochargers located inside the "V" of the engine. It is ...

twin-turbocharged V8 engine coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. It is the first M5 to use a turbocharged engine. In February 2017, the G30 5 Series was released as the successor to the F10.

Development

From November 2005 to December 2006, the exterior was designed by Jacek Fröhlich under the leadership of BMW Group Design Director Adrian van Hooydonk. The Touring version was designed by Jean-Francois Alexandre Huet. While the Gran Turismo version was designed by Christopher Weil. The F10 was unveiled in Munich on 23 November 2009.

Body styles

File:BMW 535i (F10) front 20100425.jpg, F10 sedan File:BMW 520d Touring (F11) rear 20100731.jpg, F11 Touring File:2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo rear -- 2010 DC.jpg, F07 Gran Turismo File:BMW 5-Series F18 Li China 2012-04-15.jpg, F18 Long Wheelbase Sedan

Sedan (F10)

The sedan was the second body style to be launched. It was unveiled at the Munich Olympic Stadium on November 23, 2009 and production began in January 2010. The sedan models have a length of .

Touring (F11)

The Touring model was unveiled at the 2010 Leipzig Auto Show and production began in January 2010.

Gran Turismo (F07)

The 5 Series Gran Turismo is a 5-door fastback body style which began production in September 2009. It has a length of and is longer and taller than the 5 Series Sedan/Touring models and has a hatchback rear door. The tailgate has a unique two-way opening mechanism, which may be opened in a traditional car-like fashion, or the entire hatch may be open in a traditional SUV fashion for larger objects. The 5 Series GT features frameless doors, which is a first for a four-door BMW model. Although sold as part of the 5 Series range, is suggested that the Gran Turismo chassis has more in common with the F01 7 Series, Due to its tall proportions, the F07 has been described as a "7 Series hatchback". It has a wheelbase of , a front track width of and a rear track width of . When combined with the raised roofline, this results in more passenger and luggage space than the E61 5 Series wagon/estate and similar headroom to the E70 X5 and F01 7 Series. The cargo capacity is with the seats raised, or with the rear seats flat and the partition stowed. All F07 models use an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 5 Series GT was introduced as the ''BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo'' at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show and the production version was unveiled at the 2009 International Motor Show Germany in Frankfurt and sales began in the fourth quarter of 2009. In most countries, the 5 Series GT was sold along with previous generation E60/E61 5 Series sedan and wagon/estate models, therefore the 5 Series GT was the first model of the F10/F11/F07 generation to be launched. The F07 535i GT was the first model to use the N55 turbocharged straight-six engine, which replaced the N54. Sales of all-wheel drive ("xDrive") models began in June 2010. For the following G30 generation, the Gran Turismo models were moved to the 6 Series model range and renamed the G32 6 Series Gran Turismo.

Long wheelbase sedan (F18)

A long wheelbase (LWB) version of the BMW 5 Series Sedan was developed for the Chinese market, as a lower cost alternative to the 7 Series. The wheelbase of the F18 is extended by over the standard 5 Series sedan, resulting in an overall length of . The F18 was assembled at BMW Plant Shenyang in Shenyang.

Styling

The F10 uses a more traditional BMW exterior styling approach compared with the controversial styling of its E60 5 Series predecessor. The "Bangle butt" is removed, a

Hofmeister kink The Hofmeister kink (German: Hofmeister-Knick) is an automotive design feature consisting of a rearward/forward angle near the base of the rearmost pillar. It is named for Wilhelm Hofmeister, who was BMW's design chief from 1955 to 1970, though ...

is present, a traditional kidney grill is used and crease lines are used on the

bonnet A Bonnet is a variety of headgear, hat or cap Specific types of headgear referred to as "bonnets" may include Scottish * Blue bonnet, a distinctive woollen cap worn by men in Scotland from the 15th-18th centuries And its derivations: ** Fea ...

(similar to the E39 5 Series and earlier generations). Reviews of the styling have ranged from slightly bland, to handsome and muscular.

Equipment

The interior features an updated

iDrive iDrive is an in-car communications and entertainment system, used to control most secondary vehicle systems in late-model BMW cars. It was launched in 2001, first appearing in the E65 7 Series. The system unifies an array of functions under a ...

system and a increase in rear knee-room for rear passengers. The F10 saw the return of the centre console being angled towards the driver, as used on the 5 Series from 1981 to 2003. The equipment available on the F10 includes

regenerative braking Regenerative braking is an energy recovery mechanism that slows down a moving vehicle or object by converting its kinetic energy into a form that can be either used immediately or stored until needed. In this mechanism, the electric traction mo ...

, a driving mode selector ("Dynamic Drive Control" with Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+ modes, an 80 GB hard disc for navigation data and music storage,

Head-Up Display A head-up display, or heads-up display, also known as a HUD (), is any transparent display that presents data without requiring users to look away from their usual viewpoints. The origin of the name stems from a pilot being able to view informa ...

, radar cruise control which can completely stop the car and accelerate from a standstill ("Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go"),

blind spot monitoring The blind spot monitor or blind-spot monitoring is a vehicle-based sensor device that detects other vehicles located to the driver’s side and rear. Warnings can be visual, audible, vibrating, or tactile. Blind spot monitors may do more th ...

lane departure warning system In road-transport terminology, a lane departure warning system (LDWS) is a mechanism designed to warn the driver when the vehicle begins to move out of its lane (unless a turn signal is on in that direction) on freeways and arterial roads. These ...

, night vision

rear-wheel steering Steering is a system of components, linkages, and other parts that allows a driver to control the direction of the vehicle. Introduction The most conventional steering arrangement allows a driver to turn the front wheels of a vehicle using ...

("Integral Active Steering"), side-facing cameras in the front bumper ("Sideview"), a virtual overhead graphic of the car to assist with parking ("Topview") and speed limit display, which uses a camera to recognise street signs and display the speed limit. The full set of M Performance parts can be fitted to all Models with the M sport trim. These include blacked out grilles, a carbon fibre splitter, spoiler for touring models, carbon fibre mirrors, side skirts only for M Sport models and an M Performance silencer for 535i models.

Engines

Petrol

The factory ratings are as follows: In Europe, the naturally aspirated six-cylinder models used the direct-injection BMW N53 engine, however many countries outside Europe continued to use the older

BMW N52 The BMW N52 is a naturally aspirated straight-six petrol engine which was produced from 2004 to 2015. The N52 replaced the BMW M54 and debuted on the E90 3 Series and E63 6 Series. The N52 was the first water-cooled engine to use magnesium/alu ...

engine instead, due to high sulfur levels in the locally available petrol. In Greece and Turkey, the 520i model used the 1.6 litre version of the

BMW N20 The BMW N20 is a turbocharged four-cylinder DOHC petrol engine with variable valve lift and variable valve timing which replaced the N53 (or BMW N52 in some markets) and was produced from 2011 to 2017 by BMW. Although the N20 is a four-cylind ...

four-cylinder engine, which produced at 5,000 rpm and at 1,500–4,700 rpm.

Diesel

The factory ratings are as follows: For the 530d model, an ''M Performance Kit'' was offered in some markets, which increased power to and torque to . North American 535d models used the engine from the European-specification 530d models.

Drivetrain

Transmission options for the model range (excluding the M5) were a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed

ZF 8HP 8HP is ZF Friedrichshafen AG's trademark name for its eight-speed automatic transmission models (8-speed transmission with Hydraulic converter and Planetary gearsets) for longitudinal engine applications, designed and built by ZF's subsidiary in ...

automatic. The M5 uses a 7-speed

dual clutch transmission A dual-clutch transmission (DCT) (sometimes referred to as a twin-clutch transmission) is a type of multi-speed vehicle transmission system, that uses two separate clutches for odd and even gear sets. The design is often similar to two separa ...

(with a 6-speed manual also being available in the United States and Canada).

Chassis and suspension

The F10 uses the same platform as the F01 7 Series. Front suspension is

double wishbone A double wishbone suspension is an independent suspension design for automobiles using two (occasionally parallel) wishbone-shaped arms to locate the wheel. Each wishbone or arm has two mounting points to the chassis and one joint at the knuckl ...

with double-pivot lower arms (previous 5 Series generations used

Macpherson strut The MacPherson strut is a type of automotive suspension system that uses the top of a telescopic damper as the upper steering pivot. It is widely used in the front suspension of modern vehicles, and is named for American automotive engineer Ear ...

s). Rear suspension is a multi-link design with 5 links called "Integral V". Most suspension components are made from aluminium. The chassis is constructed from various grades of steel and the body is 55% stiffer than its E60 predecessor. Compared with the aluminium front structure used by the E60, the F10's steel components are heavier but cheaper to produce and repair. To reduce weight, the

, front fenders and doors are made from aluminium. The rear-wheel drive version of the 2011 535i has a rollover risk of 9.3% and a 5 of 5 stars overall safety rating.

M5 model

The M5 model of the F10 generation was initially powered by a version of the

twin-turbocharged V8 engine rated at at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm and a maximum torque of from 1,500 – 5,750 rpm. The official time is 4.4 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to , which could be increased to if the ''M Driver's Package'' was purchased. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission ("M-DCT") is used, along with a limited slip differential that can provide

torque vectoring Torque vectoring is a technology employed in automobile differentials that has the ability to vary the torque to each half-shaft with an electronic system; or in rail vehicles which achieve the same using individually motored wheels. This method ...

between the rear wheels. In North America, the M5 was available with a 6-speed manual transmission, the only market to be offered this option. In 2014, BMW introduced a "Competition Package" version, with power output raised to and of torque.

Alpina models

Alpina Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH & Co. KG is an automobile manufacturing company based in Buchloe, in the Ostallgäu district of Bavaria, Germany that develops and sells high-performance versions of BMW cars. Alpina works closely with BMW an ...

produced two variants of the F10/F11 5 Series, the petrol-engined B5 and diesel-engined D5. ; B5 Bi-Turbo Alpina B5 BiTurbo Touring

The B5 is based on the 550i and is powered by an Alpina-modified version of the

BMW N63 The BMW N63 is a twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine which has been in production from 2008 to present. The N63 is the world's first production car engine to use a "hot-vee" layout, with the turbochargers located inside the "V" of the engine. It is ...

twin-turbo V8 engine. The original B5, which was unveiled at the 2010

Goodwood Festival of Speed The Goodwood Festival of Speed is an annual motorsports festival featuring modern and historic motor racing vehicles taking part in a hill climb and other events, held in the grounds of Goodwood House, West Sussex, England, in late June or ...

, produced and . The transmission is an 8-speed automatic. Alpina unveiled an updated B5 at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Power had been uprated to and torque to . During 2015, Alpina sold the B5 Bi-Turbo Edition 50, which marked the company's 50th year in operation. The Edition 50 uses an upgraded engine which produces and . The standard B5 received this same engine for the B5's last year of production, 2016. ; D5 Bi-Turbo The D5 Bi-Turbo is based on the 535d. It is powered by Alpina-modified version of the

BMW N57 The BMW N57 is a family of aluminium, turbocharged straight-6 common rail diesel engines. The engines utilize variable geometry turbochargers and Bosch piezo-electric injectors. The engine jointly replaced the M57 straight-6 and M67 V8 engi ...

turbo straight-6 engine, which produces and .

Special models

530Le (China only)

The 530Le is a plug-in hybrid version F18 long-wheelbase sedan, which was produced solely for the Chinese market. It was unveiled at the 2014 Guangzhou Auto Show. It was powered by BMW's N20 working in conjunction with an electric motor with a maximum output of . In pure-electric mode the 530Le can reach a maximum speed of and has a maximum range of . Combined fuel consumption is .

ActiveHybrid 5

The ActiveHybrid is a hybrid version of the 5 Series based on the 535i Sedan. It was previewed by the ''Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid'' at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show and produced from 2011 to 2016. The production ActiveHybrid 5 features a synchronous electric motor integrated into the housing of the automatic gearbox. This is combined with the turbocharged 3.0 litre straight-six engine from the 535i. The electric motor produces and of torque. The lithium-ion battery has its own cooling system and has a capacity of 1.35 kWh. Due to the presence of the battery, luggage space is reduced from 520 litres to 375 litres. Electric-only mode can be used at speeds of up to . The ActiveHybrid 5 includes a start-stop system and a coasting mode. BMW claims the ActiveHybrid 5 is capable of an electric-only range of . The

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an Independent agencies of the United States government, independent executive agency of the United States federal government tasked with environmental protection matters. President Richard Nixon pro ...

(EPA) rated the 2013

model year The model year (sometimes abbreviated "MY") is a method of describing the version of a product which has been produced over multiple years. The model year may or may not be the same as the calendar year in which the product was manufactured. ...

ActiveHybrid 5 with a combined fuel economy of , with in the city, and in highway. The fuel-saving technologies reduces fuel consumption and emissions by more than 10%.

M550d xDrive

The ''M550d xDrive'' is the highest diesel-engined model, and was produced in sedan and Touring body styles. It was a launch model for the "M Performance" sub-brand – alongside the X5 M50d and X6 M50d – at the 2012

Geneva International Motor Show The Geneva International Motor Show is an annual auto show held in March in the Swiss city of Geneva. The show is hosted at the Palexpo, a convention centre located next to the Geneva Cointrin International Airport. The Salon is organised by th ...

and was produced until 2016. The M550d is powered by the N57S triple-turbo straight-6 diesel engine. The N57S produces and , resulting in a claimed 0 to acceleration of 4.7s (4.9s for the Touring). The transmission is a

8-speed automatic and all models are

all-wheel drive An all-wheel drive vehicle (AWD vehicle) is one with a powertrain capable of providing power to all its wheels, whether full-time or on-demand. The most common forms of all-wheel drive are: ;1x1 : All unicycles Reflecting one axle with one w ...

("xDrive").

Model year changes

2012

* 520i model introduced, the second 5 Series to be powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. * ActiveHybrid 5 introduced, the first hybrid-powered 5 Series. * "BMW ConnectedDrive" introduced, including an upgraded

Real-Time Traffic Information Traffic reporting is the near real-time distribution of information about road conditions such as traffic congestion, detours, and traffic collisions. The reports help drivers anticipate and avoid traffic problems. Traffic reports, especially in ...

and hands-free opening of the tailgate or rear window.

2014 facelift

The F10

facelift A facelift, technically known as a rhytidectomy (from the Ancient Greek () "wrinkle", and () "excision", the surgical removal of wrinkles), is a type of cosmetic surgery procedure used to give a more youthful facial appearance. There are mul ...

(also known as LCI) models began production in July 2013. Changes include:* * * * * * * * * 518d model introduced * 550i engine upgraded to N63B44O2, increasing power to * Bi-Xenon headlights with washers fitted as standard, revised tail-lights, optional LED and or adaptive headlights and fog lights as options * Improved Stop/Start system * Improved auto transmission features (coasting in idle, connected shift) * Improved and additional driver assistance systems * Improved electronic handbrake * Tablets available for rear seat passengers * Minor exterior styling changes. * Turn signal repeater integrated into wing mirrors * Upgraded

with touchpad added to the top of the iDrive controller * Gran Turismo models use a revised tailgate and have an increase in luggage capacity by File:BMW 520d in Zeeuws Vlaanderen (cropped).JPG , Pre-facelift: front File:2010 BMW 528i (F10) sedan 01.jpg , Pre-facelift: rear File:Ennen Lippujuhlan päivän 2017 paraatin alkua 07 arvovieraiden saattue (cropped).JPG , Post-facelift: front File:2015 BMW 528i (5 Series, F10) M Sport 4-door sedan (19734753872).jpg , Post-facelift: rear

Production

Production of the F10 occurred at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in Germany and at the

BMW Brilliance BMW Brilliance (officially BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd.) is an automobile manufacturing company headquartered in Shenyang, China and a joint venture between BMW (as majority holder) and Brilliance Auto. Its principal activity is the producti ...

plant in China. Series production began on 7 January 2010 and the last F10 generation car was produced in February 2017.

Complete knock-down A knock-down kit (also knockdown kit, knocked-down kit, or simply knockdown or KD) is a collection of parts required to assemble a product. The parts are typically manufactured in one country or region, then exported to another country or region ...

assembly of German-produced kits took place in Thailand, Malaysia, Egypt, India, Indonesia and Russia.

Safety

The 2010 530d received five stars overall in its

Euro NCAP The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) is a European voluntary car safety performance assessment programme (i.e. a New Car Assessment Program) based in Leuven (Belgium) formed in 1996, with the first results released in Februa ...

test.

Marketing

In 2011, BMW North America released an advertisement called "Refuel" to promote the F10's fuel economy and re-introduce BMW's traditional "Ultimate Driving Machine" motto. The ad features an F10 sedan and a jet plane. BMW Canada's advertisement for the launch of the F10 M5 in 2012 is a 2-minute video called "Bullet". The advertisement shows the M5 launching from a tube and destroying several targets in its path. In December 2011, the F10 M5 featured in a commercial where an illustrator attempted to draw a Christmas card in the M5 while it was being driven around the Circuit de l'Anneau Du Rhin. A movie featuring an M5 prototype driving in snow was also produced. The F10 M5 was also used as a Nürburgring Ring Taxi. It was unveiled at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed and replaced the E90 M3 as Ring Taxi in April 2012.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bmw 5 Series (F10) F10 5 Series Euro NCAP executive cars Sedans Station wagons Cars introduced in 2010